Ugly brawl between Michigan State, Michigan latest hit to Mel Tucker, Spartans

After another uninspiring performance, the Spartans did their best to distract from the fact that they are last in the Big Ten East at 3-5 overall and 1-4 in conference.

No one is talking about the team's record after its 29-7 loss to No. 4 Michigan but rather the lack of composure the team showed in defeat.

Per ESPN, four Michigan State players — linebacker Tank Brown, safety Angelo Grose, defensive end Zion Young and cornerback Khary Crump — were suspended in the wake of an attack on Michigan defensive backs Gemon Green and Ja'Den McBurrows.

Per The Detroit News, head coach Mel Tucker said, "We're not here to make any excuses for the behaviors on Saturday...We are deeply sorry to both universities, the conference, our fans, alumni, supporters, and of course, all of our student-athletes, past and present."

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh said he hopes that's just the beginning of the repercussions and that an apology largely directed toward the Michigan State fanbase wouldn't suffice. "An apology will not get the job done in this instance," said Harbaugh. Harbaugh expressed his hope that criminal charges would be pursued against the Michigan State players. (h/t The Detroit News)

With Bryan Harsin out at Auburn, Mel Tucker's 10-year, $95 million contract is looking like the worst in college football. Yes, worse than Jimbo Fisher's contract at Texas A&M.

The team's drop-off in quality was to be expected after star running back Kenneth Walker III moved on to the NFL. The drop-off in sportsmanship is inexcusable.

In three games as head coach against Ohio State, Tucker's Michigan State team has been outscored 157-39. In conference play this season, Michigan State has been outscored by more points (86) than they've scored (81). 

As onerous as Tucker's contract is, and as bad as the Spartans' stats indicate they are, none of that is as dismal as what video evidence showed happened after Saturday's game. 

The criminal investigation into the matter is out of the program's hands. How the Spartans decide to move forward, with or without Tucker, is entirely in their control.